A group of lawmakers traveled to the Southwest border of the United States this weekend to analyze security procedures presently in place.

Rep. Raul Labrador, Rep. Richard Hudson, Rep. Kevin Yoder, Rep. Rick Crawford, and Rep. Lance Leonard all joined Texas Rep. Michael McCaul on the trip which was organized by the House Committee on Homeland Security.

From August 3 to 5, the group examined border security operations in San Diego, Tuscon, and in the Rio Grande Valley. The lawmakers had the opportunity to speak with experts n the ground, including Border Patrol, Coast Guard officials, and local citizens about efforts to secure the border.

McCaul criticized the Obama administration for what he called throwing money at the problem without analyzing what security issues need to be fixed. The Austin Republican justified the trip to the Southwest border by stating that members needed to be aware of the border situation before they vote on his legislation that would strengthen operational control.

“As the House nears a vote on H.R. 1417, the Border Security Results Act, which demands a national border security strategy, operational control and real accountability, it is important for members to see the Southwest border terrain and security technology first-hand. As we have witnessed this year, increased enforcement in Arizona has pushed illegal border crossings into Texas. We cannot continue the administration’s ad hoc approach of patching holes only to see illegal immigration shift instead of stop, and we can’t continue to throw money at the problem without an idea of what is necessary to bridge gaps in security. This trip will demonstrate how much still needs to be accomplished, and what tools can help get us there.”

In San Diego, California, the legislators were able to watch demonstrations of tunnel detection technology, take aerial and ground tours of the terrain, observe border security infrastructure, and take a look at maritime port security operations.

The group of lawmakers also took aerial tours of the border in Tuscan, Arizona in order to view the integrated fixed towers, fence lines, and check points. Advanced unmanned aerial systems were also analyzed in Arizona.

In the region with a “dramatic spike in illegal crossings,” the Rio Grand Valley in Texas, lawmakers held meetings with local leaders, took river tours, and had the opportunity to take an aerial tour of the border terrain.

McCaul has proposed legislation called the Border Security Results Act of 2013. The bipartisan bill is cosponsored by six other Texas representatives from both parties: Democrats Sheila Jackson Lee and Henry Cuellar, and Republicans Ted Poe, Pete Olson, Blake Farenthold, and Kevin Brady.